LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



FARMERS' CLUB 

GUIDE. 



HOW TO 



0?*(/a?iize, Conduct, Govern and Make Suc- 
cessful tfiese ^Popular Assemblages 
of Fat^mers. 

r 

W. F. PARKER, 

Agricultural Editor of The Chautauqua Farmer. 

i, — 



PUBLISHED BY 



PARKER & HENDRICKS, 

FORESTVILLE. X. Y ''? Nfy> 

IC: 

- — 

Price, - - - - 15 cts. | 100 Copies, - $10.00 

r/J 



7? 



•Pa. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879. 

BY W. F. PARKER, 

[n the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



FARMERS CLUB GUIDE 



CHAPTER 1. 

OBJECTS OF THE FARMERS' CLUB. 

The Farmers' Club is an independent organization 
of farm people and of the friends and promoters of 
American agriculture. 

The organization is designed to effect the following 
desirable objects: 

1. The cultivation of social intercourse amongst 
farm people, and a greater enjoyment of its pleasures. 

2. The acquirement and diffusion of agricultural 
knowledge, and scientific learning, embracing anv new 
discovery or successful practice in the care, cultivation 
or protection of any fruit, vegetables, &c. 

3. The development of mental power and activity. 
4c. The co-operation of all agriculturists in the work 

of securing all rights and privileges essential to agri- 
cultural industry, prosperity and success. 

5. The support of all legitimate enterprises which 
are promotive of agricultural interests and the general 
welfare. 

6. The interchange and distribution of new or val- 
uable seeds, plants, <fec, with directions for their prop- 
agation. 

7. And any other desirable object which can be ef- 
fected through the co-operation of farmers. 



CHAPTEP II. 
ORGANIZATION. 

PRELIMINARY STEPS. 

A Farmers' Club should be organized in every 
neighborhood throughout our broad land. No neigh- 
borhood can really afford to be without one. It is not 
expected, however, that every neighborhood will have 
one, for real benefits and blessings are no more wel- 
comed every where, than was the Nazarene Teacher 
welcomed by the unwise Jews. 

The immense good which has already been effected 
through Farmers' Clubs clearly demonstrates that they 
are indispensable at the present stage of agricultural 
growth. Progressive farmers consider the Club a 
necessary medium through which to diffuse the results 
of scientific research in the most speedy and effective 
manner. 

Wherever a Club has been organized, with few ex- 
ceptions, it has been perpetuated through years with 
increased interest and profit. 

Any farmer who has the disposition to have a Club 
in his neighborhood, can easily effect that object by a 
little exertion and energy. All he lias to do is to men- 
tion the matter to his neighbors, and to invite them to 
his house on some set day, and after all are gathered 
and are interested in social intercourse, let him or some 
one else who can talk sensibly for a few minutes call 
the attention of the neighbors present to the desirable- 
ness and propriety of organizing in the neighborhood 
a Club. And, as soon as the ear ot the assembly is 
gained, proceed at once with the work of organization. 
.It there be a minister in the neighborhood, he will 
willingly lend his aid to ti work of this kind, as he is 
sagacious enough to understand the great power of 
well conducted social organizations for good. 

In efforts of this kind there need hardlv ever be a 



failure. If the effort does fail, it is honorable to at- 
tempt to do good, at any rate. 

1. The organization needed. 

As the Farmers' Club is a purely social organiza- 
tion, the less complexity it has, the better, provided 
its laudable objects can be accomplished. Some Clubs 
elect at each meeting a chairman, a secretary and oth- 
er needed functionaries whose services close with the 
meeting unless otherwise intended by the Club. Clubs 
so thoroughly democratic sometimes find it difficult to 
prosecute a meeting. No member having any official 
duties compelling his attendance, there is generally a 
good deal of laxness in attendance, and frequently 
there are no members present who feel qualified to fill 
the necessary chairs. Whilst this simplicity of organ- 
ization has the charm of primitive freedom about it, 
still, it is attended with many inconveniences and 
really limits the power of the Club for good. Such a 
Club hardly ever effects the grand objects contemplated. 

It is advisable then to have an organization, and one 
that will be wholly inexpensive if possible. The offi- 
cers of a Farmers' Club, of course, never expect any 
other compensation for their services than what they 
receive from the honorable respect of the Club they 
serve, and from the exquisite sense of duty discharged 
for the common good. 

The organization should be efficient. There should 
be officers enough and of the right kind to enable the 
Club to effect all the good results designed. To do this 
there had best be to every Club at least five efficient- 
officers, to wit: 

1. A President. 

2. A Secretary. 

3. A Respondent. 

4. A Cashier. 

5. A Correspondent, 



CLUB GUIDE. 



DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS. 

1. The President. 

The President, Master, &c, is more generally 
qualified tor the office by being a_good farmer ; and 
certainly a Club should put its' best farmers into the 
chair-sas is nearly always done. The head of every body 
should be intelligent and sagacious — having experi- 
ence and knowing how to profit by it, and draw wis- 
dom from it. 

It is the duty of the President to generally oversee 
the interests of the Club; to preside at all the regular 
meetings ; to appoint all committees ; to maintain 
good order and decorum during all meetings ; to de- 
cide all questions involving parliamentary usage ; to 
determine the meaning of any statement in the docu- 
ments of the Club; to decide any question submitted 
to him by any member or members of the Club ; to 
decide all questions of privilege ; to instruct all com- 
mittees ; to retain or release committees ; to call ex- 
tra meetings when deemed by him advisable ; to au- 
thorize the expenditure of any money belonging to the 
Club, and to do whatever other things he may deem 
best calculated to promote the interests and effect the 
objects of the organization. 

2. The Secretary. 

The duties devolving upon this officer are, to 
keep a regular, accurate and sufficiently full record of 
all the proceedings of the Club ; of the speeches; 
questions and answers ; debates ; essays ; addre«se^ ; 
lectures ; readings ; reports of committees ; orders of 
the President, and of all other matters essential to a 
correct history of the Club. As the duties of this of- 
fice are important the best educated, and most judi- 
cious members of the Club should be elevated to the 
station. 

Much of the usefulness of the Club to the world de- 






pends upon the character of its reports which go to 
the world through the press. Much of its public rep- 
utation depends upon the manner in which its pro- 
ceedings are reported to the world. A good reporter 
soon acquires the high esteem of the public press, and 
much renown amongst agricultural readers. No man 
need desire a more responsible and honorable and 
useful office than that of Secretary to a good Farmers' 
Club. 

The Secretary should prepare a full report of each 
meeting, embodying the discussions and remarks on 
farming in particular, together with abstracts of lec- 
tures, &c, if the manuscripts of such lectures, &c, 
are not contributed to him, and he should send them 
promptly to his county agricultural paper for publica- 
tion ; and when they are published they should be cut 
from the paper and nicely pasted into the book of Rec- 
ords of the Cmb. By this process the Club will have 
its Records in print, in nice order and ready for ref- 
erence, or publication, if it should be desired in a bet- 
ter form at the end of the year. 

The paper, pens, ink, &c, required by the Secretary 
should be supplied by the Cashier of the Club on the 
order or by the direction of the President. And he 
should also be supplied with a book in which to paste 
the printed reports of the Club meetings as they are 
published by the press. 

The books of the Club are always open for the ben- 
fit of all members. 

Should any member desire to modify his remarks 
before they are sent to press, he should furnish in wri- 
ting what he desires to have put in print to the Secre- 
tary, and the latter should never be annoyed by appli- 
cations to correct reports when once completed. 

3. The Respondent. 

Few Clubs have,as yet, this officer. Up to this time, 
the duties of this office have either been entirely neg- 



FARMERS CLUB GUIDE. 



lected, or imposed upon the President or divers mem- 
bers of the Club as circumstances admitted. 

The office of Respondent is exceedingly essential to 
every, thoroughly organized Club. Questions are fre- 
quently multitudinous and multifarious. They are 
asked by interested members who desire information 
and who ought to have it. They want correct, relia- 
ble and explicit, answers. There should be one man 
in each Club to give his whole soul to this important 
feature of the work. He should be a wise man — a 
man of experience — of profound knowledge if such be 
obtainable. He should prepare himself especially to 
answer questions. He should take time to investigate, 
when investigation is necessary to give a satisfactory 
response. 

Questions should be submitted in writing at one 
meeting to be answered in writing at the next meet- 
ing, and these questions and responses should go to 
the press, and become matters of record on the books 
of the Club. 

4. The Cashier. 

Some Clubs have no Cashier or Treasurer. When- 
ever any object is to be accomplished which requires 
nioney, the amounts are contributed by such members 
as choose to give, and then put into the custody of the 
President to be applied by him as necessary. But it- 
is a good plan for every Club to appoint one of its 
members, man or woman, to this office. The Cashier 
should make all the collections ; receive all voluntary 
contributions ; keep an accurate account of all sums 
received and of all disbursements made ; pay out all 
moneys in sums and for objects authorized Iry the 
Club, and he should report from time to time the con- 
dition of his department. 

5. The Correspondent. 

Each Club should have an officer whose duty it shall 



FAEMEKS CLUB GUIDE. 



be to act as correspondent for the Club. He should re- 
ceive all communications addressed to the Club; keep 
on tile all papers coming into his possession ; answer 
all letters addressed to the Club, and communicate 
with any and all parties as directed by the Club. 

All paper, stamps and other materials necessary for 
the discharge of his office should be furnished by the 
Club. 

MANNER OF ELECTION. 

1. Viva Voce. 

This manner is probably the simplest and the best. 
Let the name of a competent member be proposed, and 
then let the members vote. A preponderance should 
elect. 

2. By Ballot. 

This method is adopted by some Clubs and proba- 
bly in some respects is preferable to the viva voce 
method. It is however more troublesome. Ballots or 
slips of paper are prepared on which the members 
write the name of any one they choose. These ballots 
are then collected and examined. A preponderance 
of votes should elect. 

3. By Record. 

This plan is deemed by some Clubs as the most 
preferable. It obviates the evils that are attendant on 
the other methods. No jealousies can arise, and there 
can be no electioneering or "log-rolling" which often 
causes much annoyance and trouble. This is the 
method: 

The list of members is taken and the first name on 
the list is the name of the first President. If he refu- 
ses to serve from a sense of incompetency, or for any 
other good reason which satisfies himself, then the sec- 
ond name is substituted, and so on until the male 
chairs are filled. 

The list of female members is then treated in the 
same way. 



10 farmers' clue guide. 



As each member serves, it is noted opposite the 
name, and each name offered an office is noted. The 
list is continued onward from time to time, until the 
honors have been equally offered to all. 

There seems to be one objection at least to this plan, 
and that is, the office sometimes is not put into the 
possession of the "fittest man. But it has this advan- 
tage: it is impartial and removes grounds of jealousy 
which too often spring up. 

- Members of the Club as a general thing know each 
other, and generally decline to take an office when it 
will naturally fall on the right person by their refusal. 

Either of these three methods is a good one. 

WHEN TO BE ELECTED. 

Officers are generally elected once each year, at the 
last meeting of the year. 

Some Clubs appoint only for six months. 

Of course each Club will adopt its own rule accord- 
ing to expediency. 

WHEN TO BE INSTALLED. 

The newly elected officers take their seats at the 
first meeting of the new year No ceremony is ever 
observed. The old incumbents retire, turning over to 
the new appointees all books, papers, '&c, belonging 
to the offices. 

Generally each officer before leaving his chair makes 
to the Club a report of his work and the condition of 
his department. 

WHO CAN BE MEMBERS. 

As the title, ''Farmers' Club," indicates, the mem- 
bership should be confined generally to the tillers of 
the soil. It is a social organization of farmers. But, 
almost all Clubs admit to membership all respectable 
persons who apply. Mechanics, manufacturers, pro- 
fessional men and others often add largely to the col- 
lective fund of Club experience and knowledge. Such 



farmers' club guide. 11 



men are often extensively read in Agricultural and 
Scientific works, and greatly aid in the dissemination 
of knowledge. 

The number of members should be limited, as ac- 
commodation, at private houses for a large gathering 
of people, is often difficult to find. Some Clubs limit 
their membership to fifty persons, some admit more, 
others less. This is a point to be determined by the 
peculiar circumstances of each neighborhood or com- 
munity. 

HOW MEMBERS ARE MADE. 

So far as ascertained no form is necessary in ma- 
king new members. If a person desires to become a 
member of the Club, that person informs a member of 
the fact, when a statement is made to the Club, and a 
motion offered and voted. Some Clubs only require 
the registration of a name. This last is the simplest 
and probably the best method. 

If a membership fee has been fixed it should be 
paid at the time of becoming a member. 



CHAPTER 111. 
RIGHTS AND DUTLES OF MEMBERS. 

All members of the Club have the same rights of 
voting, speaking, holding office, proposing members, 
offering resolutions, objecting to membership, propo- 
sing subjects for discussion, asking questions for infor- 
mation, proposing anything and doing anything which 
will advance the interests and objects of the Club. 

These rights of course involve corresponding duties. 
And each member should be ready and willing to 
freely discharge any duty or exercise which may, at 
any time, be required. Any Club can be interesting 
and beneficial, when all its members strive, by a will- 
ing discharge of duty, to make it so. 

The habitual performance of duty will increase the 
strength and delight of each person. And there wil'i 



i 



12 "farmers' club guide. 



be no lack of interest and advancement when each one 
strives to contribute to the common stock of pleasure 
and profit. 



CHAPTEK IV. 
COMMITTEES. 

It is found by experience, that the affairs of the Club 
are best managed by the appointment of committees, 
who can discuss and determine all the particulars 
committed to their discretion and determination. 

In all deliberative bodies both in the General and 
State governments, it is now the rule to appoint special 
committees to whom are referred the special questions 
and duties needing special care and management. 

THEIR GENERAL OBJECT. 

The general object in the appointment of committees 
is to relieve the Club from trouble and the expendi- 
ture of time in the discussion and execution of the mi- 
nor yet essential duties of the Club, while the great 
body of members may be free to devote all the time at 
their disposal to the accomplishment of the general ob- 
jects of the Club. 

The experience ot some years has demonstrated the 
necessity and utility of committing to committees the 
disposal of all questions involving the business man- 
agement of the Club. 

Generally speaking each Club requires the services 
of no less than three standing committees who should 
be chosen by the President at the time of his installa- 
tion into office. 

COMMITTEES. 

1. Critical Committee. 

Al! Clubs do not appoint a critical committee; still, 
some of the most effective and profitable Clubs have 
found such a committee exceeding! v useful and profit- 
able. 



FARMERS CLUB GUIDE 13 



This committee is generally composed of the best 
practical fanners in the Club. 

It is their duty to inspect the farms, the cattle, hors- 
es, hogs, &c, the svstem of farm management, the 
system of dairy, management, the condition of barns, 
stables, dwellings, &c, of specified members, and re- 
port the results of their examinations to the general 
meeting of the Club. 

It is found by experience that this liability to a vis- 
it from the critical committee stimulates a high degree 
of zeal in the conduct of farming operations, and is 
raising considerably higher the standard of American 
land tillage. Errors are pointed out, and improve- 
ments suggested. The superior system and habits of 
the farmer visited and examined are specified and 
commended to the Club for imitation. Many farmers 
consider this part of the work or the Club one of the 
most essential and beneficial offices of the organiza- 
tion. It is not always pleasant to have an erroneous 
system of farm management commented upon and 
condemned, but it is certainly highly profitable and a 
work of genuine charity to save a brother farmer from 
continuing a system which must result in continued 
loss and final disaster. He is our friend w T ho tells us 
our errors, and shows us how we may profitably cor- 
rect and avoid them. By all means each Club should 
have a Critical committee. 

This committee is furthermore useful in hearing and 
determining the value of all agricultural papers de- 
signed for publication by any member of the Club. 
And any member who has prepared a paper, a lec- 
ture or a treatise for publication, would do well to sub- 
mit the production to the hearing and examination of 
this committee. If their judgment should be adverse 
to the design of the author, he will be saved the morti- 
fication of a public failure by heeding their advice. 
But if their judgment be favorable, he can put his pro- 



14 FARMERS' CLUB GUIDE. 



duetion into print, feeling assured that he already en- 
joys the prestige of success. 

Again : Any other duties demanding the aid of 

it) J # o 

such a committee can be satisfactorily committed to 
them. 

2. Business Committee. 

There will always be more or less general business 
to be done by the Club, such as printing, purchasing 
things needed by the Club, making arrangements for 
extraordinary occasions, &c, and all such things can 
be best done by a committee specially appointed for 
the purpose. And. each Club should have a Business 
committee, thus taking the consideration of all such 
questions out of the wav of the general objects of the 
Club. 

Of course it is presumed that the determinations of 
the Committee will, as circumstances shall require, 
be reported to the Club for approval or the contrary. 

One of the principal duties of this committee will be 
the making arrangements for the stated meetings of 
the Club. There are three things to be looked after: 

1. A suitable place, where accommodations can be 
had for the Club. 

2. Stable room for horses in Winter. 

3. Materials for the Luncheon or dinner. 

The Luncheon is the general repast of the Club, and 
of course should be simple aud comparatively inex- 
pensive. 

It is provided by the Club, not by the person at 
whose house the Club meets. It is discretionary with 
the householder whether anything further than house- 
room and accommodations be furnished. It is, how- 
ever, customary in some sections for the person enter- 
taining the Club to furnish the coffee. 

The committee on Business generally allots to each 
lady member, the kind of materials to be supplied. 
One is required to furnish bread and butter, another 



FARMERS' CLUB GUIDE 1, 



pickles, another cake, another cheese, and so on. Still, 
each contributor exercises perfect freedom as to varie- 
ty and quantity of articles contributed. 

The meal is taken by the Club in their sittings, noth- 
ing being served but plates and the several articles to 
be eaten. Some distribute napkins, knives and forks. 
The food is passed by members of tne Club, and eaten 
with good cheer; generally, the social enjoyment of 
this hour is very great and beneficial. 

The Luncheon is «;enerallv served after the Club has 
been one or two hours in session. 

3. Committee on Order. 

The duty of this committee is sometimes caused to 
devolve upon the President or Secretary. 

Order is essential to the success of ail social and de- 
liberative bodies. There can be no profit, no enjoy- 
ment, no progress, where there is no order. 

It is the duty of this committee»to draw up the pro- 
gram ot' exercises at one meeting for the next meeting 
in order. They should select the question for debate 
or investigation; the subjects for essays and appoint 
essayists, the selections for readings and appoint read- 
ers, &c. Or to appoint persons to perform these vari- 
ous services, leaving it with the appointees to choose 
their- own themes. 

Occasionally some member should be requested by 
the Club to deliver a public address or lecture on some 
important subject of general or special interest. 

Every thing should be done to stimulate and devel- 
op the mental capital of the Club. And nothing like 
envy or rivalry should ever find place in the heart of 
a single member. Gifts differ as God has distributed 
them; and let them shine as brightly as possible, and 
let each one rejoice in another's brightness. The Clab is 
one. and a member with brilliant endowments is still 
a member, and his glory is the glory of the Club, and 
belongs alike to every person, and should be alike the 



16 FARMEBS' CLUB GUIDE 



pride and joy of every person, "Therefore laying 
aside all malice and hypocricies, and envies and all 
evil speaking, as new born babes desire the sincere 
milk of knowledge that ye may grow thereby/' 



CHAPTER V. 
MEETINGS. 

WHERE TO BE HELD. 

It has already been stated in this document, that 
the meetings should be held at the residences of Club 
members, or at the residences of any other persons 
who may feel disposed to give the Club entertainment. 
Occasionally a Club has a regular place for meeting 
where a hall with suitable accommodations is at their 
disposal. Some Clubs have even made a practice of 
meeting at a school house or meeting house; but the 
far greater number- make a practice of meeting from 
house to house within the circle of their membership. 

WHEN TO BE HELD. 

To be really efficient the Club should meet at least 
once each mouth, on some determinate day, as for in- 
stance the second Saturday or the third Monday of 
each month. By designating some day of the month 
as the 10th, or 15th, or 25th, &c, there is apt to be 
more or less misunderstanding, which seldom or never 
follows from the first method of appointment. Regu- 
larity is essential to success. It should almost be a re- 
ligious duty for every member to be found in place on 
the day appointed. ^SgT Do not fail to be punctual. 

TIME OF ASSEMBLING. 

No particular rule can be affirmed. Each Club de- 
termines this question according to convenience; al- 
ways meeting at such an hour, however, as will give 
ample time for the completion of the program of ex- 
ercises. 



1 



LENGTH OF SESSIONS. 

This must depend on circumstances. It may be 
said that no session is too long while it affords instruc- 
tion .and amusement to the members. As a general 
rule sessions last from three to six hours. 

HOW TO BE CONDUCTED. 

1. The President takes his seat promptly at the hour 
appointed, and calls the meeting to order. Then, if 
there be any singers present, a song follows, after 
which some Clubs have a prayer, which is followed by 
another song. 

2. The minutes of the preceding meeting are then 
read, corrected and adopted. And the by-laws should 
be read for a few meetings, unless every member 
should have a copy of the Club Guide. Let every 
member possess a Club Guide. It is invportcmt. 

3. Next follows the reading of the program prepared 
by the Committee on Order. 

4. Then follows the reading of the main question for 
Debate or investigation. 

5. In conducting the Debate, some Clubs appoint 
two or three members as affirmants and the same 
number as deniers of the question, and the main dis- 
cussion is limited to them. 

Other Clubs submit the question to the members at 
large, and every member speaks as he feels inclined. 
No one is forced to deny a proposition in order to 
show what may be adduced on the negative side. 
Probably the best, as it is the most reasonable way, is 
to give perfect freedom to the Chi!, to express genuine 
views on any subject. 

Every member who can give any information on the 
subject ought to do so. 

No member should monopolize much time. Proba- 
bly ten or fifteen minutes should be the limit of time. 
Although it is an objectionable plan to limit the time 
of an instructive speaker. 



18 farmers' cltib guide. 



When each member has had an opportunity to speak, 
and has expressed his views, the debate may be de- 
clared closed. The President should, if he feel so dis- 
posed to do, review the debate, and gather up the ar- 
guments and bring them to a logical conclusion. In 
this way a result is reached by the debate which is not 
otherwise effected. Of course, the President should 
not become a party to the debate unless he speaks be- 
fore the debate is closed. In our Clubs a President is 
not hindered from speaking on any subject, because 
he holds the chair. 

6. After the general debate of the questions before 
the male members and female members is concluded, 
a recess of an hour is taken for refreshments. 

7. At the expiration of the hour the Club is called 
to order, and the remaining duties of the program dis- 
charged. These duties are generally miscellaneous, 
and consist of essays, poems, readings, recitations and 
any other exercises which contribute to the profit and 
enjoyment of the Club. 

The Respondent now" proceeds to read and answer 
in writing the questions specially submitted to him. 
These papers he then transfers to the Secretary for 
publication in the report of the meeting. 

Good essays are generally published in the agricul- 
tural journals together with the reports of the debates 
and proceedings. 

8. Each Club should have a scientific lecture as of- 
ten as practicable; and this lecture should be made 
the subject of special debate, if time be available. 

9. Now follow the reports of all committees appoint- 
ed by the Club. 

10. And a general meeting for the transaction of 
business should be declared, when any unfinished 
business may be dispatched, and any new business 
now brought before the Club may be referred to the 
proper committees. 



19 

11. Before dismission a resolution is generally in- 
troduced and unanimously adopted, voting thanks to 
the host or hostess of the Club as the case may be, for 
the entertainment granted; and paying a like respect 
to any person or persons deserving the special thanks 
of the Club. 

12. Members should separate with the kindest feel- 
ings, and never indulge outside of the Club in any un- 
charitable remarks on anything that may have been 
said or done by any member of the Club. 



RULES OF DEPORTMENT. 

In speaking of the rules by which deportment in 
the Club should be governed, a very sensible farmer 
said : "The only rule needed for the government of 
the behavior of members is, that each member should 
conduct himself as a gentleman amongst gentlemen." 

Still it may be proper to suggest the propriety of a 
rigid observance of the following: 

1. Every member should be present at every meet- 
ing if possible. 

2. No whispering, talking or anything else should 
be indulged which interrupts or annoys either speak- 
ers or hearers. 

3. No member should speak more than once except 
with the consent of the Club. 

4. No smoking or chewing of tobacco should be in- 
dulged in, in the house. 

5. Not a profane word or immodest expression 
should be uttered. 

6. Every member should be dignified and polite. 

7. Reciprocate respect and kindness. 
8 Let every resolution be in writing. 

9. Avoid all discussions which involve party spirit. 

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 
1. The discussions of the Club are generally con- 



20 farmers' club guide. 



fined to strictly agricultural subjects. It is, however, 
legitimate and beneficial to discuss all questions rela- 
ting to the interests of land tillage, such as Taxation, 
Public Policy, Financial questions, Educational ques- 
tions, and questions of Family government. 

2. The objects of these discussions are : 

A. The cultivation of the habit of public speaking. 

B. The acquirement of information. 

C. The importation of agricultural and profitable 
knowledge. 

D. The equalization of agricultural mind. 

3. Every question for discussion is chosen at one 
meeting to be discussed at the next meeting or at some 
subsequent time. It is of the greatest importance that 
the interim be employed in such reflections and stu- 
dies as will enable the members to handle the. ques- 
tions dexterously and profitably There cannot be too 
much preparation. No member should "trust to the 
spur of the. moment"' for his ideas, but he should 

First, ascertain his own views of the subject an 1 ar- 
range them in order. 

Secondly, consult all books and documents accessi- 
ble. For this object the agricultural paper will be 
found ot great value. The agricultural paper should 
be carefully preserved for this purpose. It is a bad 
practice to suffer this medium of instruction to be de- 
stroyed. It is as wise to destroy money as knowledge. 

4. It is an admirable practice to take notes of all 
speeches made, for reference and study at leisure 
times. 

5. Speakers should cultivate the habit of brevity, 
perspicuity and precision. Never affirm a proposi- 
tion without testimony to support it. We, farmers, 
want precise and reliable information. Theories are 
good pastimes, but are of little practical value. 

6. It is a good plan for members to know the exact 
weights and measures of their farm products. Also 



GUIDE 2 1 



the exact amount of land in cultivation every year. 
How much in pasture, meadow, under the plow, as 
well as how much in the different cereals and vegeta- 
bles. Figures are good arguments when wisely han- 
dled. 

7. It is an exceedingly commendable practice to go 
to the Club with a carefully written statement of all 
leading views on the subjects; and these written state- 
ments can be handed to the Secretary to be placed in 
his report. 

8. Below we give 250 questions for debate by male 
members. More questions could have been devised. 
If none can be found below just suited to the wants 
of the Club, it. will be found an easy matter to frame 
the desired question.* 

9. Subjects tor special essays can also be selected 
from the same questions. 



QUESTIONS FOR FARMERS. 

1. What constitutes systematic farming? 

2. What kind of farming pays best? 

3. Which is the most profitable, grain raising or dairying? 

4. What is the best rotation of crops? 

5. Can we profitably undertake dairying? 

6. How should one prepare for dairying? 

7. What breeds are best for the dairy, and how can they 
be best obtained ? 

8. Would a cheese factory be profitable in this neighbor- 
hood ? 

9. Are we better situated for butter making than for cheese 
making? 

10. What is the best, food for milch cows? 

11. What is the best Winter treatment of milch stock? 

12. Is Summer or Winter dairying more profitable? / 

13. What is the best method of butter making? 

14. What kind of grain is the most profitable for us to raise ? 

15. What kind of grasses are best adapted to our soils? 

16. When is the best time to cut grass for hay? 

17. Hovv should clover be handled for hay? 

18. What is the best pasture grass? 

19. How can old pastures be best renewed? 

20. What is the value of Orchard grass, both for hay and 
pasture? 



22 

21. What is the best rime ami the best method of cutting 
and curing Timothy hay ? 

22. Is Timothy injured by cutting within three or four 
inches of the ground ? 

23. What is the best mixture of grass seeds for ha\ ? 

24. What is the best mixture of grass seeds for permanent 
pastures? 

25. Are sheep profitable? 

26. What are the best breeds for us? 

27. What is the best system for us of sheep management? 

28. When should lambs be sold? 

29. What sheep should be wintered, and what rules of se- 
lection should be observed? 

30. What diseases afflict our flocks, and how best to pre- 
vent and cure them ? 

31. How can we best market our wool ? 

32. Which is our best, wool market? 

33. How can we best secure our flocks against dogs? 

34. Are dogs useful and should farmers keep them ? 

35. What is the safest and best dog for the farmer to keep? 

36. How should a dog be kept and trained ? 

37. How should the injuries inflicted on flocks by dogs be 
paid for? 

38. What rule should this neighborhood adopt for the dis- 
position of stray dogs found on our farms? 

39. What is the best method of stacking hay? 

40. What is the value of straw for rough food ? 

41. Are ripened cornstalks of any value for cattle food? 

42. What is the best and most profitable method of produ- 
cing corn fodder? 

43. Should corn be sowed for fodder — both for green and 
cured fodder? 

44. What is the best method of curing corn fodder, and 
when should it be done? 

45 What is the best corn for our soils? 

46. What is the best manure for corn ? 

47. What is the best method of planting and cultivating the 
corn crop ? 

48. How can our corn crop be most profitably disposed of? 

49. How can one determine the best soil for corn? 

50. What is the value of corn as a food for stock, and how 
should it be fed? 

51. How can we get rid of our vveeds,ancl noxious growths? 

52. Are we keeping up too many fencts? 

53. What is the simplest and best method of building fence ? 

54. Should our farms be fenced at all? 

55. Does not our stock law need revising and improving? 

56. How much and what kind of stock is it profitable for 
us to keep ? 



farmers' club guide 23 



57. How can we best improve our horned stock? 

58. Is it. profitable for a small farmer to try to raise blood- 
ed stock ? 

59. What is the best system of breeding? 

60. How caji a herd of native cows be so managed as to ef- 
fect an improvement of stock? 

61. Should stock be sheltered? 

62. What is the most profitable method of feeding stock, 
both for fat and for work? 

63. What foods should the farmers mostly produce for his 
stock ? 

64. What is the value of roots as stock food ? 

65. Is our soil adapted to the growth of roots? 

66. What root will be most profitable for us? 

67. Would it not be profitable for us to raise the Jerusalem 
Artichoke? 

68. Can we not profitably raise peanuts; if so what is the 
best way so to do? 

69. Should we at once plant forest trees on all of our un- 
tillablesoil? 

70. Should a iaw be passed prohibiting the further destruc- 
tion of our primeval forests? 

71. What is the best plan for tree planting? 

72. Should we plant more orchards? 

73. What is the best variety of fruits for an orchard ? 

74. When and how should pruning be done? 

75. How can we best preserve our orchards against insects 
and animals? 

76. How can we best grow Quinces? 

77. What is the best method of Peach culture? 

78. How can we raise Plums? 

79. What kinds and how to cultivate small fruits? 

80. Should farmers have lawns, shrubbery and ornaments? 

81. Whit is the cheapest and best method of ornamenting 
a farm ? 

82. What kinds of shrubbery or flowers are best? 

83. What is the best and cbeapest barn? 

84. What is the best plan for providing stock water? 

85. How can we best save our barnyard manures? 

86. Should our stock yards be covered ? 

87. What is the best plan for increasing our manurial pro- 
ducts? 

88. What is the best plan for saving the liquid manure of 
the farm ? 

89. Are forest leaves valuable as an absorbent? 

90. What articles make cheap and good stable, pen and 
yard absorbents? 

91. Can we manufacture our own fertilizers, especially su- 
perphosphate ? 



24 farmers' club guide. 



92. What are the best crops for plowing under? 
93 Should we cultivate clover as a manure? 

94. Should we cultivate white clover? 

95. Should we cultivate Lupine? 

96. When is the best time for hauling manure? 

97. What is the best system of care for the horse ? 

98. What stock of horses is it most profitable for us to raise ? 

99. What is the best method of raising and training colts? 

100. How can balky horses be cured? 

101. Should there be a professional horse doctor in this 
section ? 

102. Should farmers know bow to doctor their own fami- 
lies and stock? If so, how can he get qualified to do so? 

103. Should a farmer ever go to law? 

104. In cases where courts are generally resorted to, should 
not farmers submit their cases to disinterested neighbors? 

105. Should agriculture be taught in our common schools? 
100. How can we influence our children to love home and 

farming? 
107- What books should we buy for our homes? 

108. Should not every farmer take an agricultural paper? 

109. Should not farmers write for the agricultural press of 
I he country ? 

110. Should our agricultural papers treat of all subjects 
connected with farming, as laws, taxation, education, &c. ? 

111. Should farmers be perfectly honest? 

112. Is it perfectly honest to sell butter artificially colored.? 

113. Should butter be artificially colored? 

114. What is the best method of working butter? 

115. By what plau can we raise means for the purchase of 
book*, papers, &c. without taxing the ordinary proceeds of 
the farm ?' 

116. Is co-operation in sales and purchases desirable? 

117. Is it necessary to keep horses shod? 

118. How should the fanner take care of his harnesses? 

119. What is the value of ashes as manure? 

120. How is ir. best to handle muck? 

121. What is the best muck compost? 
122 What is the best garden compost? 

123. How can hen manure be best composted and applied? 

124. What is the most profitable breed of fowls. 

125. How can we get the most profit out of hens? 

126. Is it profitable to raise ducks; if so the best breeds and 
the best management? 

127. Are turkeys profitable? 

128. How can turkeys be quickest fattened? 

129. What kind of geese should the farmer keep? 

130. Should we encourage our children to raise pets, as 
pigeons, rabbits, &c. ? 



25 

131. How can we promote a love of study i-n the members 
of our families? 

132. Cannot we induce the children and young people of 
the neighborhood to form classes for the study of chemistry, 
natural history and agriculture? 

133. Should not this Club offer a premium for the largest 
collection and the best essay on the injurious insects and an- 
imals of this neighborhood ? 

134. What is the most profitable potato for cultivation by 
the Club? 

135. What is the best way to plant, cultivate and preserve 
the potato ? 

136. Is it profitable to raise and cook potatoes for stock? 

137. What is the best method of feeding potatoes? 

138. What is the best fertilizer to be applied to growing 
potatoes? 

139. How can we best destroy potato bugs? 

140. Cannot we raise sugar beets? 

141. Is it not profitable to raise a crop of sorghum ? 

142. What is the best method of cultivating sorghum ? 

143. What is the best plan of making sorghum syrup? 

144. Are chemical fertilizers profitable? 

145. Cannot this Club institute a series of farm experiments 
that will be profitable? 

146. Does this country need an Agricultural Department 
of Government? 

147. What aid does agriculture need from Government, if 
any ? 

i48. How can the farmers be best aided by the State? 

149. Are agricultural fairs of any benefit to farmers gen- 
erally ? 

150. How can agricultural fairs be made beneficial to agri- 
culture ? • 

151. Should gambling, dancing, horse-racing and beer- 
stands be allowed on or about Fair grounds? 

152. Should Farmers' Clubs annually unite for an exhibi- 
tion of stock and products? 

153. Should we encourage popular lectures, on science, art 
and agriculture? 

154. How can we secure the best hired help? 

155. How should hired help be treated ? 

156. Should farmers co-opeiate in the purchase and use of 
improved agricultural machinery? 

157. Should we use oxen? 

158. What is the best way to break and train steers? 

159. How can we determine when land should be drained? 

160. What is the cheapest and best method of under-drain- 
ing? 

161. How can rats be most successfully destroyed ? 



26 farmers' club guide. 



162. How can poultry be best secured from hawks, owls 
&c? 

163. How can trees be best protected from mice and rah 
bits? 

164. What is the best method of lighting and ventilating 
barns and stock houses? 

165. Should farmers eat pork? 

166. What is the most profitable breed of hogs? 

167. Should hogs be penned? » 

168. What is the quickest and best plan of fatting hogs? 

169. What is the best way of ridding hogs of lice and keep- 
ing them clean ? 

170. How should breeding sows be treated ? 

171. How can the hog-pen be mauaged so as to secure the 
greatest returns in manure? 

172. What is the best regular management of hogs? 

173. What is the best system of feeding swine? 

174. Is it profitable to pasture hogs on clover? 

175. Cannot hogs be easiest and cheapest fatted on Jerusa- 
lem artichokes? 

176. What is the gain in boiling food for hogs? 

177. How can pork and hogs be best marketed? 

178. Should calves be hand raised? 

179. What, is the best way to fatten calves for market? 

180. How can a farmer determine what calves he should 
raise and what ones to sell? 

181. What is the best arrangement for keeping milk and 
raising cream ? 

182. Should the whole milk be churned? 

183. How can the produce of the orchard be most profita- 
bly disposed of? 

184. What is the best plan for keeping apples and other 
fruit? 

185. Can we profitabty dry fruit? 

186. How should buggies and wagons be treated? 

187. How can a farmer best preserve his machinery and 
tools? 

188. Should every farmer insure his house and barn ? 

189. Should every farmer insure his life? 

190. What is the best insurance for the farmer? 

191. What should be the position of farmers regarding 
Agents? 

192. Is not a reliable agency system profitable for the far- 
mer? 

193. Should farmers deal with agents who represent for- 
eign houses and can give no testimonials of merit? 

194. Should farmers ever lay a mortgage on the farm ? 

195. Should farmers ever run into debt? 

196. Should taxation be equalized? 



27 

197. Should any property be exempt from taxation? 

198. Should farmers improve their farms before they are 
paid for? 

199. What is the best system of plowing:? 

200. Is fall plowing advisable? 

201. Can we profitably raise barley? 

202. What is the best method of raising barley ? 

203. How can we most profitably dispose of our straw? 

204. Is rye a profitable crop for us? 

205. What is the best plan for the profitable cultivation of 
rye ? 

'206. What is the best rotation of crops for this section? 

207. Is flax a profitable crop? 

208. What is the best system of cheese making? 

209. What is the value of cream when sold~ as compared 
with butter? 

210. Is it more profitable to make butter or to sell cream ? 

211. When butter pells for 25 cents per pound what can we 
afford to sell cream at per quart or gallon ? 

212. What is apple pomace good for? 

213. What is the value of apples as a cattle food ? 

214. What is the best arrangement for destroving tree in- 
sects ? 

215. Will occasional applications of salt benefit our peach 
orchards? 

216. What is the best manure for the quince? 

217. What is the best method of propagating and cultiva- 
ting the currant? 

218. What is the best method of filling and stopping gul- 
lies and washes ? 

219. Should we use windmill power? 

220. What is the cheapest and best horse power (home- 
made) that we can use? 

221. How can we keep sweet potatoes through the winter? 

222. Should we not use corn bread ? 

223. How can we most profitably dispose of animals dying 
from disease ? 

224. What is the best method of keeping tools in order and 
place?. 

225. How can we keep our tools free from rust? 

226. What is the cheapest and best ice-house? 
227 How can we best gather ice in the winter? 

228. How can we most speedily get rid of the animal odor 
of milk? 

229. How can we best utilize house and kitchen slops? 

230. How much per cord is manure worth to us when pur- 
chased off the farm ? 

231. Is bee keeping profitable in our section ? 

232. How can we best begin bee keeping? 



28 farmers' clttb guide. 



233. Can we profitably raise field beans? 

234. What is the value of beans as a cattle food ? 

235. What is tlie best method of vinegar making? 

236. Would grape culture be profitable ? 

237. How can one start a vineyard ? 

238. How can we best tan sheep skins for mats? 

239. Can cats be profitably raised for their skins? 

240. How can we get rid of foxes? 

241. How can we determine where is the best place to sink 
a well? 

242. What is the cheapest and best method of constructing 
cisterns ? 

243. Will it pay us to sink seep wells in different parts of 
the farm ? 

244. What is the best method of well digging? 

245. How can we prevent fence posts working out of the 
ground ? 

246. How can we preserve fence posts from rotting? 

247. What is the best system of road and path making for 
the farm ? 

248. Can snow be so managed as to manufacture ice out of 
it; if so, how ? 

249. Should we cultivate medicinal plants? 

250. Will we live forever? If not, how should we live? 



QUESTIONS FOR THE LADIES. 

1. What are essential qualities in a farmer's wife? 

2. How can home be made pleasant? 

3. What conveniences should every farm-house contain ? 

4. What system can we adopt to abridge our labors? 

5. To what extent should we indulge taste? 

6. Do we not keep up too much house? 

7. Is the care of the poultry a legitimate duty of the farm- 
er's wife? [We say, No.] 

8. What are the duties which justly and strictly belong to 
the farmer's wife ? 

9. How should we treat our hired girls? 

10. How should we train our own girls? 

11. Should farmers' wives follow city fashions? 

12. How should farmers' wives dress? 

13. What is household economy ? 

14. How can a house be kept clean ? 

15. Should feather beds be used ? 

16. Is it profitable to keep a locked-up parlor? 

17. Should a kitchen be carpeted ? 

18. What is the best plan for making rag carpets? 

19. How can large poultry feathers be most beautifully and 
profitably worked up? 

20. How should the farm-house be ornamented? 



29 

21. How can the labor of the household be divided amongst 
all the female members of the family? 

22. How much time each day should be devoted to reading? 

23. What course of reading is most advisable for the wo- 
men of the farm ? 

24. Should the household work be done by rule? 

25. How can the quantity of washing be diminished ? 

26. What is the easiest method of washing? 

27. Is there a good and perfectly reliable washing com- 
pound ? If so, how is it prepared ? 

28. What is the best method of drying clothes? 

29. How can grease spots be easily extracted ? 

30. What is the best remedy for getting rid of bedbugs, 
cockroaches and flies? 

31. How can a house be kept free from mice? 
32^ Should house plants be cultivated? 

33. How can plants be kept free from vermin ? 
34 How can windows easily be kept clean ? 

35. What is the easiest method of dishwashing? 

36. What is the best plan for scouring knives and cleaning 
silver? 

37. What is the best plan of cleaning carpets? 

38. What is the best method of bread baking? 

39. What is the best and most convenient yeast? 

40. How can table scraps be utilized? 

41. What is the cheapest and best soap? 

42. How can woolen goods and fur goods be kept free from 
moths? 

43. What is the easiest method of washing bed clothes and 
cleaning ticks? 

44. How can a house be kept free from spiders? 

45. How can martins and swallows be attracted to the house ? 

46. What interest should we take in our schools? 

47. How can we best promote neighborhood sociability? 

48. How much company should we be ambitious to enter- 
tain ? 

49. Is not the social influence of company essential to the 
culture of our children? 

50. Should the farmer's wife study domestic medicine? 

51. How to preserve fruits? 

52. How to make jellies? 

53. What is the best method of butter making? 

54. How can we make good coffee? 

55. The art of making pickles. 

56. Should farmers' wives write for the agricultural paper? 

57. Can we have music in the house? 

58. Should our children be encouraged to learn drawing 
and painting? 

59. How can a disobedient child be cured ? 



30 

60. Is there any remedy for a cross husband ? 

61. Should a farmer's wife endeavor to get her husband to 
keep farm accounts? 

62. Should a farmer's wife keep household accounts? 

63. Is it useful to keep a diary? 

64. Are children's parties desirable? 

65. What amusements should relieve the tedium of house- 
hold work? 

66. What is the best method of ironing? 

67. How can stoves be kept clean and bright? 

68. What is the best method of meat cooking? 

69. How can eggs be preserved the year round ? 

70. How can the hands be kept white and soft? 

71. What is the best material for working-dresses? 

72. What is the best plan for securing regular night read- 
ings at home? 

73. Should the farmer's wife be supplied with a well kept 
garden ? 

74. What is the most economical method of dress making? 

75. What are the relations of the farmer's wife to time and 
to eternity ? — 

KULES OF ORDER 

FOR THE 

GOVERNMENT OF CLUBS. 

1. The President having taken the chair the mem- 
bers shall become seated, and the meeting shall be de- 
clared opened. 

2. The opening shall always be in the usual form, 
if singers, &c, be present. 

3. During the reading of the Minutes, Communica- 
tions, Resolutions and other papers, and when a mem 
ber is speaking, silence must be observed in the Club. 

4. The President shall preserve perfect order and 
announce the decisions of the Club on all subjects. He 
may speak to points ot order, and shall decide ques- 
tions of order without debate, subject, however, to an 
appeal to the Club, by any member, which must be 
seconded, when the question before the Club shall be, 

'Shall the decision of the Chair stand as the decision 
of the Glub?" which question shall be put without 
debate. The President may present his reason for such 
decision, confining himself strictly to the question up- 



31 

on which his decision was made. He shall have the 
right to speak on any question or motion before the 
Club before the debate closes. 

Before putting a question, the President shall ask, 
"Is the Club ready for the question V If none speak 
he shall put the question to the 01 ub. No one shall 
speak who does not do so immediately the President's 
question is asked. 

5. When putting a question the Club must be silent. 

6. When two or more members rise to speak at the 
same time the President shall decide which is entitled 
to the floor. 

7. None but actual members shall be allowed to 
vote on questions of Business or Order. 

8. A member addressing the Chair or Club should 
stand, not sit, and confine himself to the question un- 
der debate. 

9. All indecorous and sarcastic language, and all 
personalities must be strictly avoided. 

10. No member must be interrupted while speak- 
ing, except to call him to order, or for the purpose of 
explanation. 

11. On being called to order, a member must take 
his seat until the question of order is determined, when 
he may proceed. 

12. A member shall not speak twice on the same 
question until all who wish to speak have done so; nor 
more than twice without permission from the Chair. 

13. A question shall not be subject to debate until it 
has been seconded and stated trom the Chair; at the 
request of two members, it shall be reduced to writing. 

14. A question before the Club must be disposed of 
before another is admitted. Motions to lay on the ta- 
ble, to adjourn, for the previous question, to postpone 
indefinitely, to postpone for a certain time, to divide, 
to commit, or to amend; shall severally have prece- 
dence in the order herein arranged. 



32 

15. On the call ot three members the debate shall 
close, and a vote be taken on the motion or question 
under debate. 

16. On motion a majority of the Club may demand 
the previous question, which shall always be in this 
form: "Shall the main question he now put?" and un- 
til it is decided shall preclude all amendments and all 
further debate. 

17. A motion to adjourn shall always be in order 
after the regular Club business is finished, which mo- 
tion shall always be decided without debate. 

18. Motions to lay on table shall be decided with- 
out debate. 

19. Questions postponed indefinitely cannot be 
brought up again at the same meeting. 

20. A motion to reconsider shall always be in order. 

21. The member first named on a committee shall 
act as chairman, until another is chosen by the mem- 
bers of the committee, and the mover of a resolution 
referred to a special committee, is usually the first 
named thereon. 

22. Any member may excuse himself from serving 
on any committee, if at the time of his appointment 
he is a member of any other committee. No absent 
member can be put on a committee. 

23. All special committees should report in wri- 
ting. Yerbal reports may be received. 

24. If a member object to the reading of a paper of 
any kind, the Club shall by vote decide the question. 

25. Motions may be introduced by remarks explan- 
atory of the motions. 

26. A question may be amended. 

An amendment may be amended — but not further. 
And the vote shall be taken first on the last amend- 
ment, then on the first amendment, and then on the 
main question. 



FARMERS' CLUB 

GUIDE. 



HOW TO 



Organize, Co?iduct, Govern and Make Suc- 
cessful these 'Pojiular Assemblages 
of .Farmers. 



W. ■ F. PARKER, 

Agricultural Editor of The Chautauqua Farmer 



PUBMSHKT) BY 



PARKER & HENDRICKS, 

FOKESTVILLE, N. Y. 



Price, - - - - 15 cts. | 100 Copies, - - $10.00 



THE 



"H® 



v : iiriii^ t ' *t n ■ ■ 



fillip ill 







Is the only Agricultural Paper iii the United States, 
that we are aware of, that is published right out in a 
Rural District. All the others are published in cities, 
edited by city men', who undertake to teach Country 
People how to manage so as to Prosper. Are they 
competent teachers ? 

The FARMER is published on a large sheet, 30x44, 
and is every week tilled with Good, Scientific, Prac- 
tical talk. It is Gheci/ppr than any other, as the fol- 
lowing will show:' 

TERMS: 

Three copies, all new, or two new and one a 

present subscriber, each . $1.00 

Two copies, both new, or one new and one a 

present subscriber, each 1.25 

One copy. -- _ . __ _ 1.50 

Address 

PARKER & HENDRICKS, 

Forestville, N. T. 



